Standing on a bridge, my next guest contemplated taking her life, however after much thought she decided against it. She put a lot of difficulty behind her and decided to do what she loves best, make art. To pigeonhole her would be a shame as she does wear more than one hat and she is equally passionate about her varying artistic pursuits. May Robinson is on a journey and on her way to her destiny she has decided to quickly stop off with me. 

Hi May, welcome to TBUR. Please introduce yourself to my lovely readers.

Hello all, My name is Mahalia Robinson, however you can call me May. I was born and raised in Southwest London and the youngest of 3. I am a born artiste. I was born to do 1 thing in this world and that is create art so follow me on this colourful journey but be prepared as all things are not as they appear.

So May, tell us all a little bit about what makes you tick.

Fashion makes me tick, life, cultural art, knowing I can create anything and everything imaginative or creating using simple elements from life.

My mother because she’s always told me no matter how bad life is never give up on your dreams.

I know that your fashion is incredibly versatile, how did you learn the skills to make different types of clothes?

I learned from the greatest! Books, books and more books, then that adapted to learning in primary school right up to college, from sewing my first pillow using simple needle and thread I enjoyed the simplicity of the creation. I then wondered what else I could create and that then extended to making a dress which I hand sewed because I was so determined to get the garment done. I was never really academic when it came to fashion but I did know I had a vision in my head and knew I could create anything I put my mind to. Of course in the beginning when I first started sewing with a sewing machine which was the age of 14, (maybe younger, lost track) I remember being so frustrated I couldn’t wind a bobbin in the machine or how to actually use a sewing machine, but after several demonstrations and learning daily for myself how to use a machine I fell in love with sewing and still do to this very day! My mother also coached me from a very young age. I was very persistent in fashion, and that vision never changed, constantly changing my clothing, to revamping outfits in shop window displays, and constantly changing my style or any material I found which was a statement. I said I will create what my hands were gifted to produce. Fashion allowed me the opportunity to find my purpose in life.

It is a skill I have great admiration for. You told me about some difficult times when growing up, what was that like and how did you get through it?

Well dear, just like any human in this world we all have a story to tell, and growing up showed both light and dark phases in my life, from being mentally and physically abused, seeing domestic violence and various other situations. Made me realise the kind of role model I want to be in this world. I managed all of my life experiences by self-belief, keeping my faith and knowing my purpose in this world because the more you learn about yourself and what you’re capable of becoming you won’t want to become anyone else. I always knew I was the weird girl, the one who saw her vision in her own way, so why not share my vision with the world.

And what is your vision?

My vision can’t be summed up in an interview but I will say this, as a part of my vision, to put my stamp on this earth knowing, I was the person who taught artists to unite and become one to create something powerful. I don’t care about becoming a billionaire but I care about people hearing my story. To show little black girls you can become something powerful if you put your mind to it, and no matter how much people may tell you, you won’t do it you can’t do it. You won’t rise to nothing always know you’re the greatest and nobody will take that from you!

You dabble in the other arts as well. Did you always do that or did you pick them up along the way?

Yes I’ve always been very flexible within the arts from a very young age and so it’s nothing new for me

Do you have a preference in terms of what you enjoy best?

No because I love all variations of art and knowing I can make anyone feel beautiful and confident within their own skin. I would be silly/blind to close my eyes to other spectrum’s of art whether it’s music, dance, acting and much more as they all interlink with each other.

My vision can’t be summed up in an interview but I will say this, as a part of my vision, to put my stamp on this earth knowing, I was the person who taught artists to unite and become one to create something powerful.

How would you describe your fashion line?

My fashion line is inspired by world culture, world diversity, music, dance, musical theatre and all variations and styles of fashion. My clothing has no limitations to what it can be whether it’s haute couture, streetwear, costume design or bespoke. My brand has no limitations. However because my line is still in the early stages I cater for one off bespoke pieces until business grows and I can do a wider selection for my customers whether it’s men, women or children.

As your brand grows, what is the aspiration?

To put my stamp on this earth within my clothing which is a statement without opening the lips, but mainly giving back to this world and people who love art and fashion.

When you say giving back, how do you mean?

Making people feel they belong to a cause. Giving back and doing kind to others as well as myself and like I said marking my stamp on this world and knowing my purpose was well lived

Who would you say are your biggest influences and why?

My mother because she’s always told me no matter how bad life is never give up on your dreams. World culture inspires me. I can’t pinpoint certain artists or people because each individual has something that makes me want to push further in my career and inspire others as I believe there’s beauty in all forms of art, music, culture and life.

What would you say makes you stand out from your peers?

Confidence, boldness, being fearlessly unapologetic and free spirited.

With all these attributes you must put on quite a show, have you got one coming up soon?

I have quite a few things coming up this year but as someone great once said,  “if you want anything in this world to come true never show before it’s done”. So you’ll just have to wait and see.

I always knew I was the weird girl, the one who saw her vision in her own way, so why not share my vision with the world.

Not even a sneak peak?

I have a lot of projects, editorials, and fashion shows to be done! However this can’t be done on my own, also I will be starting my YouTube channel soon for artists to connect on a higher platform but I would say look at my website, social media and be on the lookout for what’s to come. A true artist never reveals their masterpiece until it’s fine, so neither will I.

Well I guess I’m going to have to sit back and wait like the rest of the world. I thought we were friends May. Thank you very much for sparing some time to come on TBUR. It has been a pleasure and I wish you all the success in the world.

Thank you very much. it has been a pleasure also.

May can be found all over the web. To follow her work you can check out her Website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram